EquiRoyalRegency Event Winner Saddle PackageDressage Saddles

Purchase: I wanted a beginner's all-purpose leather English saddle package for my husband who is new to riding. It had to be inexpensive but still of good quality and would last a long time while remaining in good condition. I found this saddle package deal on the Chicks Discount Saddlery website. In the package you get an all-purpose leather English saddle (you choose the tree and seat size), 54" leathers, fillis irons with white rubber pads, 48" padded leather girth, white synthetic fleece saddle pad, 4 1/2" loose ring snaffle bit, and leather Silver Fox regular cavesson noseband bridle in full size. The package is $349.

Likes: Usually when you buy a saddle package, you can't use half of the stuff that comes with it because it doesn't fit or it's terrible quality. All the leather items in the package are of excellent quality. They were a bit dry, but with one application of neatsfoot oil they softened right up and were beautiful. The gullet/pommel area is cut back over the withers, so it was ideal for our Thoroughbred who, although he isn't bony by any means, still fit perfectly into the regular tree. The saddle itself was comfortable for the horse, no areas of pinching, and comfortable for the rider too. It keeps you in a nice position, which is especially important for beginners. The girth was also very nice, padded and comfortable with an elastic end and nice leather and hardware. Stirrup leathers are nice, irons are good, bridle is very nice leather (I know a lot of reviews of Silver Fox are poor, but this bridle is REALLY nicely made and it also adjusts big or small).

Dislikes: I didn't like that you couldn't choose your girth size. The 48" was way too short for our Thoroughbred and so we had to purchase another girth that was a 52". An Arab or medium sized pony would be fine though.
One of the things that made the girth not fit were the rather short billets. The flaps and everything are long, it's the actual billet straps that are short. Not a huge deal, but it makes the girth we got with the saddle useless to us.
When it first arrived, the leather on the girth and bridle were very dry. It needed neatsfoot oil to soften it up, but once softened it was wonderful.
Although it doesn't say so on the site (though it shows it in the photo) is that you get a bit with the package. It's a 4 1/2" loose ring snaffle. It's not great, but it would do. Doesn't fit the horse we bought it for, even though Thoroughbreds have rather narrow mouths. I wouldn't use the loose ring anyway because of the pinching.
The saddle pad was okay, but not great. Usable for schooling but cheaply made.
Bit loose ring, too small

Quality: Stitching on everything was good, no loose threads or damaged areas. The dye on some of the leather does come off a bit when cleaning, but we haven't noticed it wearing off on the flaps, knees and seat; just on the girth and bridle. It doesn't change the colour of the leather though.
Very good quality for the price, I researched long and hard to find a saddle this inexpensive that was good quality. It was shipped in a pretty small box, kind of crushed into it. I was surprised by this, but except for a small mark on the cantle where it rubbed on the box, there was no damage. All pieces were good quality and in good condition upon arrival.

Summary: This would be a great beginners or intermediate saddle package. Like I said, when you get a package deal you really don't expect most of the accessories to fit or be good enough to use, but all parts of this package would be great for schooling use. I would recommend buying a new bit, the loose ring snaffle isn't made that well.